Resilient surface for sitting and lying furniture, preferably for beds

ABSTRACT

A bed includes a support structure having longitudinally extending bearing beams on which a spring member rests. The spring member includes a plurality of side-by-side modules, each having upper and lower resilient, flexible strips held apart by a plurality of spacers. The spacers are offset from the bearing members so that the upper strip of each module hold the modules together to allow limited independent movement. A pad and a removable fabric cover is provided.

The invention relates to the field of sitting and lying furniture,particularly beds. The prior art in this field is presentlyunsatisfactory in several respects. The main criteria for the quality ofa bed can be looked upon as hygiene, orthopedics, handiness and biology.The requirements regarding optimum construction and the prior art aresubdivided hereinafter on the basis of these criteria.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hyqiene

A good bed must be able to breath, i.e. the removal of the moisture(approximately 2 to 5 dl per night) given off by the human skin whensleeping must not be impeded by moisture-impermeable layers. Thus,during its use period the lying surface is permeated by the wastesubstances and bacteria given off with the moisture. It has thereforebeen necessary to clean the breathing-active parts of the bed,particularly after a bed has been used by a sick person or in hospitalsand hotels in which several people successively use the same bed. Thisis only possible to a limited extent with the presently used lyingsurface constructions, because the mattresses, which are usually verylarge, cannot be cleaned or can only be cleaned with considerablydifficulty. As a result, e.g. in hospitals, moisture-impermeable layersof plastic or the like are by sheer necessity placed on the mattress toprevent the penetration of infectious germs. This stops thebreathability of the mattress and the bed user must lie on the resultingmoisture deposits, which leads to bed sores in patients. In the home,mattresses are generally not cleaned throughout the period of use whichcan be several decades. The same problem occurs in hotels where, inaddition, beds are used by various people. The need thus becomesapparent for a mattress made in such a way that it can be easilycleaned, preferably by the user.

Orthopedics

A good lying surface must be such that the human body is supported in anoptimum manner in its normal sleeping position (on the back, side orstomach) and consequently remains in a relaxed state. The requirementsconcerning the design of this lying surface are dependent on the weight,size, sleeping position and possible anatomical peculiarities(particularly the vertebral column) of the persons using the bed andcannot therefore be easily standardized. Account must also be taken ofsubjective wishes of the user such as the preference for a harder orsofter support. Thus, the lying surface must be adaptable to theindividual user. This is possible to a limited extent at present only ifthe person in question is in a position to pay for the expensiveindividual production of a custom-made lying surface. Althoughreasonably priced designs often permit individual adjustmentpossibilities, they far from fulfill the aforementioned requirements.They are also mainly designed for persons who sleep on the side andback, ignoring the fact that a large percentage of the population sleepon the stomach and require a quite different lying surface design. Theneed thus becomes apparent to make these possibilities available withsimple means for the normal citizen.

A further criterion is the fact that many of the available lyingsurfaces lose their elasticity and springiness and consequently theiroriginal shape after a few years of use and that it is only possible tomake good this deficiency, i.e. restore the initial elasticity, shapeand springiness by incurring considerable expenditure or not at all.Thus, the ideal solution would be to provide a design enabling the userto eliminate this problem caused by material deformation and fatigue byusing simple means.

Handiness

All existing lying surfaces with at least an average lying quality havea relatively high weight. Particularly in the case of French beds, it isoften impossible for housewives and older people to move the lyingsurfaces, so that it would be appropriate to provide a lightweight,easily handlable design.

Bioloqy

A steadily increasing number of people are of the opinion that, as aresult of body influences when sleeping, all metals and syntheticmaterials should be excluded from use in beds. At present, the prior artdiscloses no design, in which this possibility is 100% achievable, whilesimultaneously retaining the orthopedic quality of the lying surface. Asolution for this is therefore desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to satisfy these variousrequirements concerning a lying surface in a simple, inexpensive mannerby means of a standard design.

Briefly described, the invention includes a support structure for a bedor the like having elongated bearing members on which a plurality ofspringy modules rest. Each module includes two resilient, parallelstrips and spacers between the strips, the spacers being positioned sothat they are offset from the bearing members. The ends of the modulesare held together and to each other by fabric which allows relativemovement between modules. The support structure holds a pad on which aperson can sit or lie.

This objective is achieved by the invention according to the main claim.The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter relative to thedrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1a is a transverse sectional view of a spring member comprisingbearing members, strips, spacers and fabric;

FIG. 1b is a longitudinal sectional view of a spring member according toFIG. 1a;

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view of a further embodiment of aspring member similar to FIG. 1a, but with circular spacers, togetherwith a support and fabric enclosure;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view of two combined spring members,one according to FIG. 1a, in which the support and fabric enclosure arecontinuous, and in which one spring member has a two-layer fabric as avariant;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a spring member according toFIG. 1a with two examples of means for modifying the surface shape ofthe spring member; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bed made in accordance with thepresent invention and including a spring member similar to FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1a and lb show the construction of the basic component accordingto the invention, which will be referred to as a spring member orsupport structure. The function of this basic component is to producethe same, controllable spring tension at all points on its surface. Thespring member, as seen in FIGS., 1a, 1b and 5, includes a plurality ofinterconnected but relatively movable segments or modules 10 eachincluding lower and upper elongated flexible strips 2 and 4 separated bythree spacers 3 which are located between strips 2,4 at the ends and atthe middle. A plurality of modules 10 are arranged side-by-side from oneend of the bed to the other, each module extending across the bed.Bearing supports 1, which are substantially rigid, extend the length ofthe bed beneath the modules to support them, the bearing members beingseparated by a distance sufficient to engage the modules about midwaybetween spacers 3. The ends of adjacent modules are joined by a coveringof fabric 5. Due to the fact that the spacers 3 positioned between theflexible strips 2,4 are displaced with respect to the bearing members 1,the surface of the upper strip 4 can be pressed downwards at all points.The spring tension produced is dependent on the bending strength of thestrips (thicker=harder) and the distance between the bearing members andthe spacers (shorter=harder).

If the strips 2,4 in the direction of the bearing members (longitudinaldirection) were produced from one piece (a plate), the result would besignificant stiffening which would prevent or limit bending when thesurface is loaded so that flexibility would be prevented in thelongitudinal direction. As this flexibility is particularly important inbeds for the anatomically correct support of the body, the basiccomponent according to the invention is subdivided into individualmodules in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 1b). Thus, both the strips2,4 and the spacers 3 are made in separate pieces. Modules with a widthbetween 6 and 15cm have proved to be the optimum correct subdivision,economically and anatomically.

It is also important to choose the correct material for the strips. Itmust be flexible, i.e. it must bend under loading, but when the load isremoved must immediately reassume its initial shape. This propertyshould also be retained over a long period. In addition, if desired, thematerial must also be biological. Thus, suitable materials are solidwood (some types), glued plywood (made from veneers), fiberglass andfiberglass laminates, plastics (PVC, acrylics, etc.) and also, ifdesired, spring steel. In all cases, the edges must be such that thefabric 5 is not damaged.

In order that the spring action can be obtained, the spacers 3 must notbe fixed to the strips 2, 4, such as by gluing or nailing. However, thecomplete entity must be held together and the individual parts correctlypositioned. This problem is solved by a fabric 5, which holds togetherand interconnects the strips and spacers.

Fabric 5 is formed in such a way that it encloses and thereforepositions the relatively short spacers 3 in tubular hoses 5b. The hosesmust be formed in such a way that the spacers have some clearance, so asto not impede the flexibility of this "backbone" of the basic component.The length of the spacer is matched with the width of the strips suchthat each spacer is between a lower and an upper strip.

Each spacer 3 can be rectangular or square in cross section (FIGS. 1aand 3) or circular (FIG. 2). The embodiment with the circular spacershas the following advantages:

The introduction into the hoses is easier and cannot be carried outincorrectly.

The bearing point on the strips becomes substantially zero;

Less material is required; and

They can be more rationally produced from solid wood.

Therefore, the circular solution is generally preferred.

For completely satisfactory functioning, the end face of the spacer mustbe such that when the spring member is bent in the longitudinaldirection (as shown in FIG. 4), there is no change in the overall lengthof the spring member as measured along the central longitudinal axis.This means that the spacers may only be in contact at one point or alongone line between the upper and lower strips. Otherwise, upward ordownward bending would lead to an extension of the length along thecentral axis.

It is unimportant for producing the spring action whether the spacers 3are made from a solid or a compressible material. Thus, economic andpossibly biological criteria are decisive for the choice of material tobe used. Suitable materials are hollow plastic members or solid wood.

Fabric 5 is laterally equipped at the top and bottom with pockets 5a,which receive and position the ends of strips 2,4. These pockets areadvantageously constructed in such a way that the strips can be insertedand removed again by bending. Thus, e.g. for a lying surface width of 90cm, the ideal pocket depth is approximately 3 cm.

The complete spring member component is now stable and can be placedunconstrained on the two bearing members 1. It is kept in position bythe conventional bed frame (head and footboard, as well as bedstead). Italso has the advantage that it can be disassembled and reassembled byanybody and without requiring tools.

As a variation of the economic solution shown in FIG. 1a, wherein thefabric 5c is a single layer form, the fabric can be made so that it hastwo-layers as in the case of the left-hand spring member in FIG. 3wherein the added fabric layers are identified as 5d and 5e. Thisadditionally stiffens the spring member and also forms an air cushionbetween the strips.

Two embodiments are available for double beds. The component is eitherextended by a further bearing member and an additional spacer row(dotted line in FIG. 1a), or two spring members are used side-by-side(FIG. 3). The second solution has the advantage of isolation so that onesleeper does not notice when the other moves.

FIG. 2 shows in transverse cross-section a lying surface whose functioncorresponds to conventional mattresses including the lattice work. Oneor more layers of soft, warm, breathable material 6 are placed on top ofthe spring member and have the function of keeping the body warm,absorbing and.or transporting the moisture given off by the body andensuring that the sleeper does not feel the edges of the upper strips 4.Suitable materials are foam, latex, horsehair, cocoa fibre, wool,synthetic fibers, etc individually or mixed together.

In order to hold the spring member and support 6 together and to givethe assembly an appearance similar to standard mattresses, it isadvantageous to provide the spring member and support with an enclosingfabrics. If the lateral edges 7a of this enclosing fabric are furtherreinforced by quilting, a clean, cubic appearance is obtained.

FIG. 4 shows the further important possibility resulting from thepresent invention, namely the change in the surface shape of the lyingsurface produced by very simple means. Arbitrarily shaped bodies 8 canbe placed in any chosen position on the fundamentally flat bearingmembers 1. For example, the upper edges of the bearing members areprovided with a uniform row of holes and the bodies 8 with matchingdowels. Thus, on the basis of a basic construction, it is possible toproduce virtually any surface shape, obviously taking account of themaximum bending radius of the spring member.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a bed having a support structure inaccordance with the invention. The bearing members are shown supportedon a simple framework which can be a conventional bedstead. Modules 10lie across the bearing members, the end modules and pad 6 being elevatedto show fabric 5C and spacers 3. The cloth cover 5a encloses the ends ofstrips 2,4 and spacers 3.

Thus, with the lying surface as described according to the invention,the quality demands concerning a lying surface described above can besatisfied in a simple, inexpensive manner.

Hygiene

As the lying surface can be easily disassembled by anybody and thenecessary breathing-active supports are much thinner than inconventional designs, the user can relatively easily clean the lyingsurface, so that the appropriate hygienic requirements are fulfilled.

Orthopedics

As only very thin supports are required, the supporting action of thespring member is completely transferred to the human body. Full supportis ensured in any lying position, even to problemmatic areas such as,e.g., the hips. The spring tension, i.e. the softness of hardness of thelying surface can be modified selectively or over entire areas by theuser by replacing the modules with those having thicker or thinnerstrips.

By placing additional shaped members of selected shape (e.g., inaccordance with the doctor's instructions ), the lying surface top canbe longitudinally caused to assume any desired shape by the user. Byraising the central area of the lying surface, the person sleeping onthe stomach can relieve the vertebral column, while preventing footdamage by raising it in the area of the lower part of the leg andproviding a sharp bend at the ankle joints.

If in time the resilient elasticity of the strips decreases as a resultof shape changes, their resilience can be completely restored by theuser by merely turning them over. This is most conveniently carried outwhen the bed is cleaned. This fulfills the requirements for permanent,orthopedically correct lying.

Handiness

As a result of the simple, disassemblable construction, easy handling ispossible, even for older people, and others with minimal strength.

Biology

As no compressible parts are required in the lying surface according tothe invention, it can be made from solid wood, natural fibers, horsehairand sheep's wool. Thus, it does not need to contain metal parts or anysynthetic materials or additives (as are indispensable in the case ofnatural rubber), so that it fully satisfies anthroposophysicalprinciples.

Thus, the invention essentially comprises a resilient surface, which isobtained in that two or more bearing members 1 support a plurality ofmodules or segments in a substantially rectangular manner, eachcomprising lower and upper strips 2,4 made from resilient elasticmaterial, as well as at least two spacers 3 which are laterallydisplaced with respect to the bearing members. The modules are heldtogether by a fabric-like material 5, having pockets 5a in which can beplaced the strips 2,4 hoses 5b in which the spacers 3 are guided andsurfaces 5c between the upper and lower strips 2,4. It is also possibleto place on the bearing members and modules a support 6 made from abreathable material, and this support, together with the modules, can beenclosed by an enclosing fabric 7.

I claim:
 1. A bed or the like including a support structure forresiliently supporting a pad or the like on which a person can sit orlie, said support structure comprisingfirst and second substantiallyparallel, elongated, spaced-apart bearing members; a plurality ofsubstantially identical elongated modules lying side-by-side on andgenerally perpendicular to said bearing members, each of said modulesincludingfirst and second elongated, resilient strips extendingsubstantially the entire length of said module, and a plurality ofspacers positioned between said first and second strips to maintain saidstrips in generally parallel, spaced relationship with respect to eachother, with said first strip above said second strip, said spacers beingoffset from said bearing members; fabric means for loosely holding saidmodules together in generally parallel relationship while allowingsubstantially independent limited relative movement, said fabric meansincluding pockets for receiving the ends of said strips, tubularportions for receiving said spacers and a sheet-like portion extendingbetween said strips of said modules.
 2. A structure according to claim 1which includes a plurality of horizontally disposed, parallel bearingmembers of substantially equal length, the length of said membersdefining the length of a bed; at least ten modules each including firstand second flexible strips each having a width of between about 6 andabout 15 cm and a plurality of spacers between said strips, the numberof spacers in each module being one greater than the number of bearingmembers, each spacer having a length substantially equal to the width ofits associated strips, said strips being removably positioned in saidpockets.
 3. A structure according to claim 2 and further includinga softpad of breathable material lying on said modules, said pad having athickness of between about 5 and 7 cm, and a removable fabric coverenclosing said pad, said modules and said fabric means for holding saidmodules and pad together.
 4. A structure according to claim 3 whereinsaid fabric cover is reinforced along its lateral edges.
 5. A structureaccording to claim 3 and further including a second support structurehaving bearing members, a second plurality of modules and fabric meansfor holding said modules together, said second support structure beingadjacent the first said support structure with the upper surfacesthereof generally coplanar,and wherein said pad covers both of saidsupport structures and said removable fabric cover encloses said pad andboth of said support structures.
 6. A structure according to claim 2wherein each of said strips has a width of between about 7.5 and about 9cm.
 7. A structure according to claim 2 wherein each of said spacers hasa length of between about 8 and about 10 cm.
 8. A structure according toclaim 2 wherein each of said spacers is made from a substantiallyincompressible material.
 9. A structure according to claim 2 whereineach of said spacers has a generally circular cross section and adiameter of between about 4 and about 6 cm.
 10. A structure according toclaim 2 wherein said sheet-like portion of said fabric means is formedwith two layers between said strips.
 11. A structure according to claim2 including two bearing members and three spacers in each module.
 12. Astructure according to claim 2 and including means insertable betweensaid bearing members and selected ones of said modules to vary thesurface configuration of said bed.